Good day bloggers. A warm welcome to Yash IVF blogs. 2023 has arrived with a bang with respect to key findings about IVF. By now, we know the difference between in vivo and in vitro. In the true sense, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is advancing and we are closer to achieving the goal to create a pregnancy which is as close as the natural one. We have heard, the frozen embryo of 30 years has resulted in a twin pregnancy recently. Many celebrities opened up about the battle of infertility. A well-known celebrity was sad about not knowing about fertility preservation. She was helpless about the infertility battle and her tears made a way for disturbing facts. A stalwart of international repute was fortunate to preserve her eggs at age 30, waited to meet Mr Right and could enjoy motherhood now. In this process of exchange, we felt the dire need to erase the misconceptions and create awareness about fertility. Let us walk together and get the facts right here. When you are trying to conceive, the right approach is to visit the infertility specialist. Only a professionally trained consultant with good experience and international exposure will be able to assess and put in place an effective plan to ensure pregnancy- quickly and affordably Some Common Misconceptions: 1. If you are healthy, and eating right, then age does not matter. If you are healthy does not mean your reproductive health is good. Reproductive health is delicate and complex involving, many hormones. The biological clock ticks fast for women over 35. The quantity of eggs goes down as age progresses. The quality of eggs matters the most. The quality of eggs is a matter of concern as it may cause implantation failure or miscarriage. Age affects the fertility of men and women. Age is the single impactful point that affects a woman’s chance to conceive and have a healthy baby. A woman’s fertility starts to reduce significantly in her late 30s, and more so after the age of 35. The risks of pregnancy complications too increase. Male fertility decline is more subtle as compared to females and a man’s age affects the chances of conception. Male age over 45 years increases the risk of miscarriage and the child’s risk of mental and developmental disorders. 2. Conception is easy after 1st baby’s birth The firm belief in the majority of females is, there’s no way I can have a fertility problem after having my 1st baby. This is a case of Secondary infertility The factors responsible for fertility problems are pelvic scarring, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, defective ovulation, poor sperm quantity or quality, and so forth. Irrespective of the cause, such conditions are either developed or worsened since the first birth. Complications during labour and delivery could have triggered a problem, or it’s an age-related fertility problem Treatments for primary and secondary fertility problems are often the same. 3. I am too slim, I will not have fertility problems like overweight females. Obesity here refers to overnutrition and undernutrition. In both scenarios, it is over and above the ideal BMI (BODY MASS INDEX). Overweight, obese or underweight status can affect a woman’s fertility. Obesity can lower fertility in men too. One can have a greater chance of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby if you are close to a healthy weight. A measurable yet small weight loss can improve fertility and pregnancy health. Weight is directly linked to hormones & ovulation which has a significant impact on both sexes. 4. Fertility preservation is a farce and is only for rich people. The biggest boon of fertility progress is a deep understanding of the process. It is very much possible to preserve eggs, and sperm to create babies in the future. Waiting for Mr.Right, yet not ready to settle for a baby, need financial planning, and working does not allow the planning of pregnancy can be a few examples that delay the pregnancies. Science of reproduction has allowed preserving the genetic material and surprisingly, such eggs or sperm don’t age over time. Surprisingly, the cost of cryopreservation is within the reach of all and not knowing about this, is truly a matter of ignorance. Fertility preservation makes it possible for women to freeze their biological clock. 5. Irregular menstrual cycle means infertility Complaints of Irregular menstrual cycles are common. Sleep disruptions, stress levels and exercise routines can modify the behaviour of hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle later. It is advisable to see a gynaecologist especially if you’ve gone more than three or four months without a period. Irregular menses may be the sign and symptom of many reproductive disorders but definitely translates into infertility. While correcting the underlying cause and regaining the hormonal balance, one can achieve conception. 6. Infertility is an issue of old people and those as young as 30, don’t need to bother. Age is the most important deciding factor for fertility but due to various reasons, the young in their 30s still deal with it, too. It is estimated now,1 in 10 women face infertility before the age 30. Lifestyle, working environment, and exposure to harmful chemicals are some of the factors responsible for it. Smoking, Alcohol consumption too affect the reproductive organs. 7. IVF is the only option if you are unable to conceive naturally. IVF is the option for a couple who are unable to conceive naturally but definitely not the only option. IVF is a costly and time-consuming procedure, reserved for certain conditions. For couples dealing with infertility, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is rarely the first option. There are many other less expensive treatments available. These fertility treatments are often determined by a few simple blood tests & sonography. According to the survey data available at NIH, 85-90% of infertility cases are treated with conventional medical therapies like medication or surgery. 8. He is already a father, he does not have fertility problems. The statement often heard by us is not true. The reasons for secondary infertility exist for males too. Similar to female fertility, male fertility decreases with age, particularly after age 40. Researchers have found a direct correlation between advancing paternal age and an increased risk of autism and schizophrenia. Men pass along as many as four times more genetic mutations compared with mothers. It is quite obvious as sperms are manufactured continuously. During the process, there are high chances of mutations. As a man ages, the concentration of mobile, healthy semen and semen volume overall will decrease.
